Television has long been a source for older generations to receive great music that speaks to their heritage, while also catering to younger music fans by introducing them to classic country music as well as modern takes on traditional bluegrass. That connectivity has brought bluegrass to the masses for decades, from the early days of television showcases through the era where Porter Waggoner, Johnny Cash, and the Mandrell Sisters all hosted their network programs.
Picking up the torch for that mission is Circle Media, which also serves as the best example of two great companies combining to serve one monumental vision.
Opry Entertainment Group, a subsidiary of Ryman Hospitality Properties, Inc., and Gray Television teamed up to create a premium linear television and OTT (over-the-top) streaming channel dedicated to celebrating country music and the country lifestyle, and bluegrass programming have become a thriving component of that combination, now known as Circle Media.